Boob, it’s what’s for dinner (breakfast, lunch and snack too)

I would like to blog about breastfeeding and the reasons why I am such a supporter of it. Yes it’s an age old debate between moms. We have breastfeeding nazi’s who snub those that formula feed their children. While yes I am a hard core advocate of breastfeeding I think you have to do what is right for you and your family. I do however think that every mom should at least try breastfeeding I mean how do you know it isn’t for you if you don’t give it a chance right? I would just like to share with you some of the benefits of breastfeeding and then I will share some supercool informative and helpful items that breastfeeding newbies and pros alike can use.

I knew from the minute I found out I was pregnant with my first child that I was going to breastfeed him and others that would follow. I wanted to give the give of the most natural food to my child and not worry about what additives were put into him/her. I knew I would be giving my child the most perfect food even if only for a short time (well it actually turned into 2 years or more with each time so short it was not LOL). I wanted to know that for the moments my child was nursing he or she would fully depend on me and what I could give them. I nursed exclusively for the first year of each of my childrens lives, meaning they got nothing but breastmilk until they could eat table food (well my second and third did have a taste of formula from a syringe in the hospital because of low blood sugar but other than that it was only breastmilk). I loved the moments when my children wanted to nurse, whether it was because they were hungry, hurt or just wanted my undivided attention for a few moments. It is the most beautiful experience I have ever had in my life. Yes there were hard times with things like plugged ducts and mastitis, but the good times trump those few hard times by a mile. I just wish every mother would give themselves and their child the opportunity to experience such wonderful moments.

Some points of interests and benefits about breastfeeding are:

-Bonding is a big thing and to me one of the best ways to bond with your child is to breastfeeding, there is nothing more intimate, in my opinion, than when a child nurses at a mothers breast.

-The first feeding you give your child consists of colostrum a.k.a liquid gold, it is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies to help keep your baby healthy. Colostrum is extremely easy to digest, and is therefore the perfect first food for your baby. It is low in volume (measurable in teaspoons rather than ounces), but high in concentrated nutrition for the newborn. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby, helping him pass his early stools, which aids in the excretion of excess bilirubin and helps prevent jaundice. Go to colostrum to learn more amazing facts about this first milk.

-Next, no matter what time of day or night breastmilk is always ready and the perfect tempature so it’s there at the very moment your child needs it, no waiting while formula is mixed and warmed.

-Breastmilk is also always perfectly loaded with the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs. Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth. No matter how hard formula makers try they have not been able to match breastmilk because the exact chemical makeup of breastmilk is still unknown, it is very complex and scientists are still trying to unravel and understand why it is such a good source of nutrition for rapidly growing and developing infants.

-A breast-fed baby’s digestive tract contains large amounts of Lactobacillus bifidus, beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile, never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles, which can also lead to diarrhea in the infant.

-Human milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. No babies are allergic to their mother’s milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself.

-Sucking at the breast promotes good jaw development as well. It’s harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth. The baby at the breast also can control the flow of milk by sucking and stopping. With a bottle, the baby must constantly suck or react to the pressure of the nipple placed in the mouth.

The list of benefits just goes on and on. Breastfeeding is supported by many health professions and groups out there.

Breastfeeding moms have questions and may need some support during the time in which they breastfeed. A few websites that are wonderful for breastfeeding moms areKellyMomLa Leche LeagueWomen’s Health.They are very informative, have answers to most questions you may have, answers to problems that may arise while breastfeeding and even have lists of medications you can take while nursing.

Other things of interest to a new or experienced breastfeeder:

-The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is an absolute God send for any breastfeeding mom. I got this with my second child and it was a wonderful piece of “breastfeeding equipment” for both my second and third child. It covers so many areas, questions and concerns. It really is the bible of breastfeeding books.

-Cushie Pie breast support pillow. It is a pillow designed to help you gain the correct breast position for easier breastfeeding. This breastfeeding pillow pushes your breast upward in order to allow easy latching by your nursing baby, while maintaining correct positioning throughout the feeding.. It comes in an array of colors and patterns.

-Breastfeeding Support Kit. The Breastfeeding Support Kit is a perfect gift to nourish a new mamaâ€™s breasts, so she can nourish her angel baby â€” naturally.

-Reason My Mom Breastfeeds Me Shirt for infants toddlers. Mamas Leavin Weanin up to me shirt for those who are nursing older infants and toddlers. And for the mom Breastfeeding Goddess shirt. Thousands of other probreastfeeding shirts available at Cafe Press.

What i have a hard time understanding is why is it that breastfeeding moms always get “the look” you know the one of disguist from people everywhere when you nurse in public. Really is feeding a child that gross to people, I mean after all it is just feeding. Yes the food does come from a body part but you know what, it’s what they are there for. I mean long ago before formula was ever invented what was used…breastmilk and it wasn’t *gasp* offensive. So why now in todays society when we are pushing accepting so many other things to be accepted can we not accept something as simmple as feeding a child from a breast?

Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift you can give to yourself because you get to get your body back quicker from burning the extra calories have moments with your child that no one else can experience and it is the most natural food you will ever be able to give your child. Try not to count breastfeeding out but rather think of all the benefits it can have for you and your child and who knows you may just find it is all it’s cracked up to be!

Toni is a professional lifestyle blogger living on the sunny Florida Gulf Coast. She has a passion for Disney, Travel, Fashion, Cooking, Tech, Family Fun Ideas, Reviews, Giveaways and loves being able to share that with her readers!

Hi Toni,Stopping by from a link you added to a comment on my “Breastfeeding Protocol” post. Thanks for stopping by an sharing this. I completely agree with you! I am a big time breastfeeding supporter. I breastfed my first and now I am bfeeding my second. The first was bfed 3.4 years. Of course you already now my qualms with “some” public bfeding although I fully support public bfeeding.

I do think that all moms should at least try breastfeeding. I assumed I would be able to breastfeed my child, but he was born early and wouldn’t nurse, so had to be bottlefed. We did work with a lactation person, also. I did pump as much as possible, but barely got anything out. I did feed him whatever I got, even if it was only 1 ounce. After a month or so, I could only get drops, so gave up. But I am glad that at least I was able to supplement with my little bit of breastmilk.

I agree Lisa that is what is important to me as well is that if possible (barring they aren’t on medications keeping them from trying) all mothers should try, I dont’ frown upon those who bottle feed at all it just wasn’t for us, now had i not been able to produce milk I could be in a completely different boat. Thanks you for sharing and commenting I really appreciate it!

This is great! I had so much trouble nursing my first due to my own complications…I only went 8mos…couldn’t wait to try again. Now with #2 we are at almost 11mos and it is everything I dreamed it would be…I can’t imagine stopping. I will CERTAINLY leave it up to her when we will be done!